Avoiding engineering changes through focused manufacturing knowledge

An exploratory analysis of how product-development engineers can avoid many manufacturability-related engineering changes (ECs) if they develop focused manufacturing knowledge is described. An engineer would develop focused manufacturing knowledge by working in an existing area of manufacturing most related to that engineer's development task. The occurrence of ECs that are avoidable with focused manufacturing knowledge does not justify that all product development engineers gain this knowledge. However, engineers who design components with a significant history of manufacturability problems should develop this knowledge to achieve the benefits of EC avoidance. It is concluded that organizations should manage the development of focused manufacturing knowledge.<
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